Agenda - 12-13-2005-9a - Laserfiche WebLink

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Emergeneyy Assistance Programs November 2005 Social Services The following programs are administered by the Department of Social Services: 1. Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) Eligibility criteria are set by the state.. There is an annual maximum household benefit of $.300. These are 100% federal funds and must be used for heating and cooling crises. 2. Emergency Assistance through the Work First Block Grant (TANF-EA). The Social Services Board determines the eligibility criteria and families are limited to $150 in any six-month period. These funds can be used for any type of emergency, Although this particular program only pays a maximum of $150, agency staff work with the families and with various non-profit agencies such as Interfaith Council and Orange Congregations in Mission to meet the particular any crises requiring more than $150.. All recipients are referred for financial counseling and must have met with a financial counselor prior to applying for assistance a second time in a twelve-month period.. .3. County General Assistauce The same rules and limits apply to these funds as apply to the Emergency Assistance through the Work First Block Grant. Work First funds, however, can only be used for families with minor children whereas the County General Assistance funds can be used for all populations. 4. Guarantor Program In 2001, the County established a guarantor program with the utility providers. This allows the County to guarantee payment of deposits if families default rather than paying the deposits to initiate service. The County is released as the guarantor after the family establishes a successfiil payment history with the utility company (usually twelve months), The County has used this approach with Duke Power, Piedmont Electric and PSNC. Budget and Expenditures During Fiscal Year 200:3-2004, a total of $.315,6.30 was used for emergency assistance, During the past year a total of $426,966 was spent for emergencies, For the current fiscal year, Social Services has a total current budget of $357,035. Late in November, the Governor announced that some additional funds would be added to the CIP program.